Héctor Peña
Lawyer | Project Manager
Mexico City,Cuautemoc
Summary
Passionate lawyer with experience in research, counseling, consulting and project management, on both private and public-interest matters. Qualified versed in project management, coordinated projects aimed to improve public policy and organizational efficiency of state and federal agencies. Earned experience with public sector consulting, knowledgeable about working different stakeholders, NGO's and government officials. Recently building expertise in international protection programs, coordinating humanitarian assistance projects for asylum seekers and refugees at Mexico. Enthusiastic and eager to contribute to team success with positive attitude. Willingness to take on challenging projects and create impact on society.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Emergency Response Coordinator
HIAS Mexico
Mexico City
09.2021 - Current
- Coordinated emergency response projects of humanitarian assistance for evacuated afghan families after Taliban occupation, resettled temporarily at Mexico City during their asylum process for Canada and United States.
- Collaborated with sponsors' (The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Afghan Solidarity Coalition) project management and team members to achieve target results.
- Built and strengthened relationships with area governments, departments and agencies, mainly Foreign Affairs, Health Ministry and public security corporations, to manage effective planning and implementation of emergency response strategies, such as airport clearance for new group arrivals, COVID vaccination, general healthcare assistance and security services.
- Investigated practical, cultural and theoretical issues facing emergency services and about afghan culture, and identified effective resolutions.
- Maintained current understand of local, state and federal guidelines for emergency response.
- Maximized throughput, for stakeholders satisfaction and staff efficiency by development and implementing optimized care models.
- Offered empathic and efficient service to afghan families, handled emergency and challenging situations with ease.
Local Coordinator
HIAS Mexico
Mexicali, Baja California
04.2021 - 09.2021
- Operational and administrative management for HIAS Mexico's office at Mexicali, Baja California.
- Coordinated and execute humanitarian assistance programs (Legal, Mental Health and Gender-Based Violence) sponsored by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).
- Coordinated with local shelters for legal orientation, mental health and gender-based violence assistance for refugees and asylum applicants at the Mexico-US border.
- Developed partnerships NGO's (UNHCR, IOM, Save The Children, MSF), shelters and government authorities for collaboration and referral for protection, legal and health services.
- Lead humanitarian assistance missions to nearby local shelters and organizations.
Attorney-at-Law
HIAS Mexico
Mexicali, Baja California
03.2020 - 04.2021
- Counseling and representation for asylum seekers and refugees at Mexico-US border, in context of US MPP (Remain in Mexico) immigration policy implementation.
- Advocated for clients before COMAR and INM for asylum and immigration proceedings.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in client's best interest for their asylum process.
- Managed high-volume caseload for vulnerable populations, mainly from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Haiti and Brasil.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for asylum cases.
- Aided more than 100 asylum seekers and refugees with counseling and representation.
Operations Coordinator
Grupo Asesor Ingenia
Mexico City
04.2017 - 03.2019
- Coordinated strategic change projects aimed to improve operation efficiency and public policy implementation for federal criminal justice agencies, mainly for the General Attorney's Office.
- Applied performance data to evaluate and improve operations of the General Attorney's agencies at Mexico City, State of Puebla and State of Mexico, Electoral Prosecution Office and others, in order reduce delay in cases determination and improve investigation capabilities.
- Design, enforced and optimized internal policies to improve collaboration between investigation, police and forensic áreas, in order to maintain responsiveness to demands of society.
- Scheduled meetings and worked with internal actors and general advisors for project advance reports and deliverables.
- Identified and resolved ineffective practices, in order to update internal management models.
Project Lead Consultant
Primer Círculo Consultoría Estratégica
Mexico City
09.2016 - 04.2017
- Investigation and consultation project of tertiary prevention related to crime recidivism and social reintegration, for the Government Secretary.
- Camp-based investigation at federal jails, interviewing inmates for psychological and socio-economic profile delimitation.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to client.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress and technical problems.
Corporate Lawyer
Capital I Servicios México
Mexico City
09.2015 - 02.2016
- Legal assistance for the General Counsel of a private equity firm, for investments for the development of construction projects.
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
Legal Associate
De Hoyos y Avilés
Mexicali, Baja California
09.2013 - 12.2014
- Legal assistance for the litigation practice group.
Education
Certification - Project Managment
Cambridge University Judge Business School
U 02.2022 - Current
Master of Laws - International Law
Escuela Libre De Derecho
Mexico City 08.2015 - 05.2017
Specialist in Constitutional Law And Human Rights - Law/Human Rights
Universita Di Pisa
Pisa, Italy 01.2017 - 03.2017
Bachelors of Law - Law
CETYS University
Mexicali, Baja California 08.2010 - 06.2014
Skills
Emergency response coordination
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Flexible and Adaptable
Decision Making
Funding procurement
Teamwork and Collaboration
Project planning and development
Timeline
Certification - Project Managment
Cambridge University Judge Business School
02.2022 - Current
Emergency Response Coordinator
HIAS Mexico
09.2021 - Current
Local Coordinator
HIAS Mexico
04.2021 - 09.2021
Attorney-at-Law
HIAS Mexico
03.2020 - 04.2021
Operations Coordinator
Grupo Asesor Ingenia
04.2017 - 03.2019
Specialist in Constitutional Law And Human Rights - Law/Human Rights
Universita Di Pisa
01.2017 - 03.2017
Project Lead Consultant
Primer Círculo Consultoría Estratégica
09.2016 - 04.2017
Corporate Lawyer
Capital I Servicios México
09.2015 - 02.2016
Master of Laws - International Law
Escuela Libre De Derecho
08.2015 - 05.2017
Legal Associate
De Hoyos y Avilés
09.2013 - 12.2014
Bachelors of Law - Law
CETYS University
08.2010 - 06.2014